Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Rochester, NY: $33.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Rochester, NY runs $33.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,096 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Rochester's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.0, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,053 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Massage therapists in Rochester, NY, can expect a median hourly rate of $33.70 in 2026, which is significantly higher than the national hourly median of $29.80. This favorable pay is beneficial for both part-time workers and per-diem massage therapists operating in various environments such as spas, chiropractic clinics, and home-based practices. Entering the field, therapists might start at about $16.43 per hour, while top earners in the area can achieve rates of up to $46.90 per hour. This official Bureau of Labor Statistics data reflects an industry that offers diverse employment settings, each contributing differently to average pay rates, from luxurious resort spas to fast-paced day spas.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.43 | $131.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.87 | $174.99 |
| Median (P50) | $33.70 | $269.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.41 | $347.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.90 | $375.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rochester
Based on $33.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.70/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rochester, NY can expect to earn approximately $70,088 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,436. With a cost-of-living index of 97.03 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rochester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rochester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,347.85 | $5,841 | $70,088 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $808.71 | $3,504 | $42,053 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $539.14 | $2,336 | $28,035 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Rochester) | $33.70 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $32.45 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Exercise Trainer/Fitness Instructor (National Avg) | $23.95 |
Massage Therapists in Rochester, NY earn a median of $70,096 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.10% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 3.00% above the New York state average of $68,055.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.70/hr = $42,053/year (purchasing power: $43,338).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,088/year (purchasing power: $72,230).
CoL index: 97.035 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+114.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Rochester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Rochester grew 90.8% from $16.66/hr (2019) to $31.78/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.73/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem massage therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rochester metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 6.03% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Massage Therapist in Rochester
For those considering part-time work, a massage therapist working only three days a week, averaging around 24 hours, could still take home a substantial income but would obviously earn less than a full-timer. Per-diem and agency work present another reality: therapists might charge anywhere from $25 to $100 per session depending on whether they work for chains or independent practices, with self-employed individuals potentially earning between $80 and $150 for a 60-minute treatment. Employment type plays a crucial role in setting hourly rates; while franchises like Massage Envy often provide steadier schedules with lower pay, self-employed practitioners can command higher rates but must handle marketing and operational expenses. Negotiating pay can also vary; therapists should be prepared to discuss their unique skill set, experience, and client satisfaction rates when pursuing higher hourly rates, especially in Rochester's competitive marketplace.
More salary data for Rochester, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Rochester in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Rochester?
Are massage therapists in Rochester paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Rochester?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Rochester?
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Written by Jordan Lee, LMT
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience in massage therapy. They specialize in sports massage. They work in a wellness center.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 6.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for massage therapists in Rochester. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.03%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for massage therapists (SOC 31-9011).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, LMT, a licensed massage therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov